How to Become a Registered Dietitian in Wisconsin

There are many interesting facts when it comes to food in Wisconsin. For example, this state is the number one producer of cheese in the entire country, and is one of the only states where you can get cheese curds. Because of the state’s early German influence, another popular food in Wisconsin is bratwurst, a gourmet sausage. However, because food in Wisconsin can be unhealthy, many people in this state need the services of a registered dietitian.

To be licensed as a dietitian in Wisconsin, you must have completed this state’s strict licensing requirements, which includes work experience and a certification exam.

How to Become a Dietitian in Wisconsin

Basic Requirements

Age: Age 18 or older.

Education: Applicants in Wisconsin should have completed a Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university.

Licensure: You must register with the state of Wisconsin to be granted the ‘Dietitian’ credential.

Degree: An eligible degree will have a major course of study in dietetics, food and nutrition, food management systems or human nutrition.

Experience: 900 hours of supervised dietetics practice. This work experience must include at least 300 hours of clinical dietetics, 120 hours of food service administration and 120 hours of community nutrition.

Exam: A passing grade must be achieved in the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) examination.

Citizenship: A dietitian in Wisconsin should be a legal alien or a US citizen.

Additional Requirements

Background Check: A criminal background check is required for licensure in Wisconsin.

Application Process

Licensure: Applications should be submitted with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. Be sure to include a $75 application fee, proof of your completed degree and verification of your CDR registration. Licenses must be renewed on even years.

Temporary License: A temporary license can be given to a candidate who has yet to take the CDR exam but has met all other requirements.

Previous Licensure: If you can demonstrate a license in another state with similar requirements to Wisconsin, you will be granted your Wisconsin Dietitian credential.

Degrees Related to Dietitians

Completing a degree is your first and most important step in becoming a dietitian in Wisconsin. Degree programs that you could choose to enroll in can include human nutrition, nutritional education, clinical nutrition and dietetics.

Major Cities in Wisconsin

Milwaukee has a population of 599,164 people and is the largest city in Wisconsin.

Madison is the second largest Wisconsin city with a population of 243,344.

104,779 people live in Green Bay, making it Wisconsin’s third largest city.

What Does a Nutritionist Do?

To assist their clients in fulfilling their nutritional recommendations, nutritionists will develop meal plans. These meal plans will be built to a client’s specific needs and can be adjusted depending on the client’s progress.

Other nutritionists will develop meal plans on a larger scale to be used in institutions like schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

Providing nutritional education for communities is another common job duty of a nutritionist.

Nutritionists must be able to write effective reports related to their client’s nutritional needs and goals.

Related Careers

Jobs that are related to working as a dietitian will include a focus on promoting proper nutrition. For example, dietetic technicians and nutritionists are responsible for many of the same tasks as dietitians, including educating clients and constructing meal plans.

Employment Numbers in Wisconsin

The number of dietitians working in Wisconsin in 2015 was 1,370 based off the most recent numbers collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salary Ranges in Wisconsin

In Madison, the average salary for a dietitian is $54,810. Milwaukee dietitians can expect an average salary of $57,660. Eau Claire dietitians may make $56,230.